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Gov. Abbott Sets November Special Election for Texas' 18th Congressional District

The decision leaves nearly 800,000 constituents without representation for over seven months, drawing criticism and legal threats from Democrats.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sits before President Donald Trump arrives to speak at an education event and executive order signing in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
A special election has been called to replace the congressional seat of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner, who died last month at the age of 70.
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Overview

  • Texas Governor Greg Abbott has scheduled the special election for November 4, 2025, to fill the seat left vacant by Rep. Sylvester Turner's death on March 5.
  • Critics, including House Democrats and local officials, accuse Abbott of delaying the election to benefit the GOP's slim majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • Abbott defended the delay, citing Harris County's history of election administration issues and the need for adequate preparation time.
  • The extended vacancy means the district's predominantly Black and Hispanic population will lack congressional representation during critical legislative and budgetary periods.
  • Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have threatened potential legal action, arguing the delay undermines democratic representation.